Well, here we have the very first interview of 2014! was amazing to know something about this one-band (DC Mills) that has more to show to us this year!
1 - Thank you so much for your time, well, how did you initiate in Black Metal? Who was your inspiration to
play?
I've always been into heavy, extreme music - since I was a teenager. I
began listening to thrash, then death metal, and finally discovering black
metal. My brother and I started a death metal band called Endless Descent in
the late 90's that was very similar to older Morbid Angel and Deicide in style.
Needless to say, I was not a Christian back then, and our music dealt with
demonic and misanthropic themes. As we got deeper into the scene, we picked up
some of the early black metal releases by Emperor, Satyricon and Burzum. These
bands were fresh and exciting to us, and heavily influenced our sound. There
was a drastic difference from our first EP to the second as we focused much
more on atmosphere and brought keyboards fully into the mix.
I would have to say the above mentioned bands were my earliest
inspiration, along with many others. What started with Gothenburg bands such as
In Flames and At The Gates ended up with other, much darker acts like Ancient,
Old Man's Child and The Abyss (a side project of Hypocrisy's Peter Tachtgren).
There were so many more I really can't recall them, as I've tried to distance
myself from all of the satanic and overtly evil bands.
2 - What is the mission of Vials Of Wrath?
It's the culmination of many years of listening to extreme music and my
passion for writing and recording. So in that respect, it's a creative outlet
for me. But because of God's blessings and intervention, there's been much
more.
I've received many messages from fans who tell me it has blessed them
to have a Christian alternative to secular music. Others have told me it gives
them inspiration. Knowing this, and seeing God open doors for my music to
literally be heard around the world, is awesome and motivating to say the
least. So as it has blessed others, I'm also blessed in the opportunity to
share it.
3 - If you have any, what is the Biblical reference that will describe
the music that you play?
There are several, but one that has affected me most is Luke 5:16 -
"And he withdrew himself into the wilderness,
and prayed." (in reference to
Christ.)
Over the last several years, I've found myself becoming
more intent on being alone to meditate on the Word and pray - especially in the
quiet surroundings of God's creation. If Christ often did so in the scriptures,
it must be very beneficial to us as well.
I was raised in the Appalachian mountains, and after
several years of living in the city, found myself wanting to return to living
in the mountains again – which I again do after moving in 2012. Doing so has
revitalized me and influenced my song writing. I now hope to create an
atmosphere of worship and a sense of being in the wilderness, in relation to
the above verse.
4 - Was it hard playing all the instruments on the first albums that you
recorded?
In a way, but not as much as I had anticipated. I've played guitar
since I was 16, so adding bass was not too hard. Writing the keyboard parts was
a little more challenging. However, I'm definitely not a drummer. So I had to
rely on using drum loops and samples (and still do). Eventually I'd like to use
real drums, or bring in a session drummer, but my writing/recording process
would probably make that a little difficult.
5 - What involves the name of the band?
I'm fascinated with end-times prophecy and revelations.
In reading my Bible one day, I found Rev. 16:1, which states: "And
I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your
ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth."
When I originally started this project, I was going to focus most of my
lyrical themes on God's wrath and end times events. However, after my first EP,
I quickly realized this was not "my calling." Having already
established an identity as Vials of Wrath, and also having such a recognizable
logo by Christophe "Lord of the Logos" Szpajdel, I decided to keep
the name.
6 - What is the best, for you to be a Christian man and metal fan?
Although the world sees this as a contradiction, I've found they go
hand-in-hand rather nicely.
Metal music can be very extreme and aggressive, or moody and melodic.
Being a Christian in today's world (or pretty much any other time), also lends
itself to emotions that translate well into metal music. We often experience
feelings of aggression because of our faith. We're called extreme - sometimes
fanatics. There's great joy in knowing salvation, sorrow in our repentance, and
awe in God's grace and presence. Metal music, in the form I hope to convey,
expresses these feelings and more.
7 - Are you recording a new album? What can we expect on that album?
Yes, I'm constantly writing and recording, and hope to have enough
material ready for a full album in the fall of 2014. Until then, I may release
a couple of the songs on some compilations or a split EP.
So far, the songs are pretty similar to the path I started down on
"Seeking Refuge." I have a few themes, or concepts, in mind that I'm
trying out, but haven't nailed down yet. In my mind, I would like to look at
what happens after I've found "refuge." Once God has revealed Himself,
what happens next? How does this affect my life? Just a thought…
8 - In your country, how have the people received your music?
Fairly well, but getting exposure in the U.S. has actually proven to be
a little more difficult than in other countries. I think it's because metalcore
and deathcore are the mainstream now - at least within the Christian scene.
However, those who have heard my music tend to be very favorable in their
opinion of it.
I've been told I'm treading new ground within the Christian metal scene
with this style - mixing shoegaze elements similar to Alcest and Les Discret
with more traditional black metal. Vials of Wrath has been compared to Wolves
In The Throne Room and Agalloch as well, mostly due to the lyrical content and
imagery of "Seeking Refuge" I would imagine, but I'm actually
flattered by such comparisons since I think very highly of these bands and
admire their styles. But sadly, none of these bands seem to be very well-known
within the Christian metal community.
9 - Is there anything else that you would like to say as we close?
Just that I really appreciate the opportunity to discuss my music, and
hope and pray it blesses those who take the time to check it out!
Thanks and God bless!
https://www.facebook.com/VialsOfWrath
http://vialsofwrath.bandcamp.com/album/seeking-refuge
